“IDF combat soldier, Staff Sgt Amit Ben Ygal, 21, from Ramat Gan, was killed this morning when a rock was thrown at his head during operational activity in the village of Ya'bad, West of Jenin,” said an IDF spokesman on Tuesday.

According to Israeli media reports, several “wanted men” have already been arrested in connection with the killing after the IDF launched an operation in Yabad to track down the suspects.

Ben Ygal was attacked as his unit was leaving the area after completing their operation, when a group of around 10 young Palestinians began throwing rocks.

He was wearing a helmet, according to the IDF, and was an experienced soldier.

The IDF added that it was not aware of there being any Palestinian casualties during the military operation which preceded the soldier's death.

“The IDF and the security forces will lay their hands on the despicable terrorists responsible for this, and we will bring them to account,” said Naftali Bennett, the Israeli defence minister, in response to the killing.

Palestinian youths frequently hurl rocks at IDF soldiers in the West Bank in what they consider an act of defiance against occupying forces.

In an interview with the Kan radio station, the soldier’s father said: “He loved the people of Israel, the land of Israel...We don’t have anything else. I am broken, I am broken, I am broken, I am crushed.”

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has offered his condolences to the family.

“As has happened in every case in recent years, the long arm of Israel will reach the terrorist and settle the score,” he said.